Bail denied for theft accused

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 08 August 2017, 12:00AM

A man has appeared in Court, accused of stealing a truck as well as other products valued at more than $80,000. 

The truck belongs to a Chinese man at Toamua and Faleula.

Lafaele Maugaalii of Faleula and Toamua pleaded not guilty to the charges. He is facing four charges including two charges of burglary and two charges of theft.

Chief Justice, His Honour Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu presided.

The prosecutor is Leone Su’a-Mailo of the Attorney General’s Office.

According to the summary of facts, Maugaalii allegedly stole products worth of $86,515.00 which including a Mitsubishi Truck.

“On the 24th May, he took a Mitsubishi Truck worth of $80,000, 20 cases of mosquito coils, 30 cases of canned fish, 40 sacks of rice, 10 sacks of flour, 5 sacks of salt and 40 cartons of Shasta drinks.

“These products belong to Muliagatele Wilson Fang.”

An application for bail was made yesterday.

Chief Justice Patu asked the prosecution if they opposed it.

“We do oppose bail given that the defendant has a long list of warrants of arrests,” Mrs. Mailo told the Court.

 “Your Honour, it’s just me, my wife and our children at home,” pleaded Maugaalii.

“I am the one who is providing for me and my family so I am asking the Court if there is any chance that I can be on bail so that I can look after my family.”

The application for bail was denied.

The matter has been adjourned for hearing on 18 January 2018.

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 08 August 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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